When we mention social action, our mind immediately turns to the poor. We rightly do so, but I don’t believe that whoever is born poor dies poor! I believe that God can change our very destiny and transform our lives completely. By coming alongside the poor, I’ve come to understand that the real problem is the poor-mindset. This kind of thinking holds people to a useless life, thinking their miserable little selves can’t do anything on their own, that they are completely dependent of others unable to do anything to reverse their current status.
Beyond the social side, this work has a spiritual side also, we introduce Jesus Christ, the one who can change people’s lives. It is my conviction that if God can change their hearts, their minds will be renewed and they will learn how to live and to believe God to change the circumstances around them.
Even though there are quite a few charitable institutions operating in Loures (partnering with us) doing social work, I believe that the church has a fundamental and relevant role in society.
For quite some time now, Centro Cristão da Cidade supports in various ways around 80 families in the Loures area. In recognition of that work, the city council has granted CCC facilities in Bairro das Sapateiras to function as a base for all the church’s social work. These facilities are located at Praceta José Alfredo Dais, Lote 1, Loja 3, no Bairro das Sapateiras. Here we provide social support to the most in need in the following ways:
Clothing:
By their own initiative, or recommended by institutions, individually or as whole families are enrolled in the program, having their clothing needs met accordingly to our resources. The clothes are distributed freely every Thursday between 10 AM and 1 PM.
Appliances and Furniture
CCC collects furniture and appliances privately owned or from institutions. After guarantying their working status, these are freely distributed amongst disadvantaged families according to their needs.
Alimentary Support
Monthy, CCC gives alimentary support to about 20 families around Loures. This food is acquired using CCC funds and private donations.
Toys and Presents
Every year, CCC holds a Christmas party and a Easter party for about 100 disadvantaged children and their respective families. In each party, the children gets 4 presents and enjoys a good time filled with games, music, drama representations and meal.
Tutoring for disadvantaged children
This project is called “Projecto Explica e Educa” and is a tutoring program for disadvantaged children. Its goal is to nurture in the children an appreciation for school as tool for building a better life for themselves. The program works in a subject based scheme in groups of 3 students or less. All tutors are professionally licensed working in a strictly voluntary regime. There are currently 5 teachers in the program and 15 students benefiting it.
It is deeply gratifying to see families accepting Jesus and changing their life around, believing there can be change for them. Someone shared this with me: “Now I have hope and faith in God and reason to live!!! “
James 2:14-17 says that “faith without works is dead”, which means there is something visible and practical to be done in order to help those around us.
